THE PILL CHAFER. 



475 



THE PILL CHAFER. 



PILL CHAFER. 



Tn its habits of life the Pill Chafer is one of the most remarkable 

 of the Beetle tribe. Tt comes forth in April, and 

 is to be seen abroad until about September, \ii ^juul^ M 

 when it disappears. Its almost constant em- ^« "V-CMm/ w 

 ployment, in which it is indefatigable, is in the 

 dift'erent operations necessary to continue its 

 epecies. It constructs a proper nidus for its 

 eggs, by forming round pellets of dung, in the 

 middle of each of which it deposits an egg. 

 These, in September, the insect conveys to the 

 depth of about three feet into the ground. Ilere 

 they remain till the approach of spring, when 

 the grubs burst their shells, and find their way 

 to the surface of the earth. 



" I have attentively admired their industry, and their mutually 

 assisting each other (says Catesby) in rolling these ghjbular balls from 

 the place where they made them, to that of their interment, which ia 

 usually at the distance of some yards, more or less. This they per- 

 form breach foremost, by raising their hind parts, and forcing along 

 the ball with their hind feet. Two or three of them are sometimes 

 engaged in trundling one ball, which from meeting with impediments, 

 on account of the unevenness of the ground, is sometimes deserted 

 by them. It is, however, attempted by others with success, unless it 

 happen to roll into some deep hollow or (ihink, where they are con- 

 strained to leave it; but they continue their work by rolling off the 

 next ball that comes in their way. None of them seem to know 

 theii own balls, but an equal care for the whole appears to affect all 

 the community. They form these pellets while the dung remains 

 moist; and leave them to harden in the sun before they attempt to 

 roll them. In their moving of them from place to place, both they 

 and the balls may frequently be seen tumbling about over the little 

 eminences that are in their way. They are not, however, easily dis- 

 coura2'ed ; and, by repeating their attempts, usually surmount the 

 dilficulties." 



Catesby says also that these insects find out their subsistence by 

 the excellence of their noses, which direct them in their flight tj 

 newly-fullen dung, on which they immediately go to work, temper- 

 ing it with a proper mixture of earth. So intent are they alwaya 

 upoii their employment, that, though handled or otherwise interrupted 

 they are not to be deterred, but immediately on being freed per- 

 sist in their work without any apprehension of danger. 



They are so strong and active as to move about, with the greatest 

 ease, things that are many times their own weight. Dr. Brickell 

 was supping one evening in a planter's house of North Carolina, 

 when two of these insects were conveyed, without his knowledge. 

 nnder the candlesticks. A few blows were struck on the table, and 

 to his great surprise the candlesticks began to move about apparently 



